Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank the Senator for raising this matter today and I am pleased to provide an update on the status on the preparation of the CFRAM programme and when it is expected to be published. The CFRAM programme is the largest flood risk management programme ever undertaken by the State. The programme is focusing on 300 areas for further assessment, AFAs, including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding.

This programme has identified feasible flood relief measures to provide protection to 95% of properties at risk in the 300 areas. The details will be set out in flood risk management plan. Nearly 500 public consultation days have been held on the CFRAM programme, where the CFRAM teams met the communities involved to discuss the process face-to-face. Draft plans were published last year for public consultation.There was an extensive response to the public consultation on the draft plans and constructive and wide-ranging observations were provided. The review and assessment of these observations took longer than expected but reflects the nature of the value of the comments received. People’s views have helped form what is now proposed in the final plans. These are currently undergoing an independent review in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Once this independent review of all plans is completed and observations are addressed, the final plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements. I hope by the end of this year to publish the final plans developed under the CFRAM process and to announce the proposed structural measures contained within those plans that will protect communities and properties at risk.

The CFRAM programme addresses the requirements of the EU floods directive as well as national flood policy. The Office of Public Works, OPW, has been in regular contact with the European Commission advising it of the progress with the finalisation of the plans. I assure the Seanad again that the Government will continue to ensure that measures to deal effectively with flooding through the development of the CFRAM programme and plans, and the continued investment in flood defence capital schemes, will receive the highest priority. I assure the Senator that in my role as Minister of State, I will give this a high priority. I sympathise with anyone affected by flooding, whether they are in Limerick, Cork, Clare or Athlone. Everything that can be done will be done. We hope that by the end of the year we will roll out the CFRAM provisions. It has taken longer than envisaged but I am pleased to say we are now coming to a finality. At the Senator's request, I will visit Limerick in the near future if he so wishes.